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The queen nods her head and then she and Alik depart as well. My hand finds Quinn’s, and I thread my fingers through hers. Olivia approaches and she fingers the necklace. She lifts her gaze to Quinn’s.

“You know, I’m not one to gloat, but I told you that you would look amazing in this thing.”

My heart’s fire shakes her head and laughs. “We both know you’ve been doing nothing but gloating the last few weeks.”

Olivia sucks in a shocked breath. “Not me.”

Quinn embraces her within her free arm. “I love you, Liv.”

“Love you, too, babe.”

Our group leaves the coronation room as well and makes its way to the banquet hall. Just as we reach it, Olivia stops short.

“Crap, I forgot something in my apartment.”

Their friend Devon gapes. “What in the world did you forget that you need this very second?”

Olivia fists her hips. “A mating present.”

Quinn lays her hand on her friend’s arm. “You didn’t have to get me anything, but since I know you’re going to say, of course you did, I won’t push the issue. Can you give it to me tomorrow?”

“Let’s just say it’s something you two are definitely going to want tonight.” Olivia does something entirely human with her eyebrows that makes no sense to me, but it must to the other humans because my heart’s fire turns red and glances at her mother before hissing at her friend.

“Oh my god, I’m going to kill you.”

Unrepentant, Olivia grins madly. “You can thank me later. Look, I’ll take a guard with me and be right back.”

Before anyone can argue with her, she waves and takes off, pausing only long enough to speak to one of the males. The two head down the corridor before turning a corner and disappearing from sight.

“She’ll be fine.” I reassure Quinn.

“I know.”

We finally enter the banquet hall where everyone awaits us. I guide my mate and her family to the head table where the queen and Alik are already seated. We all settle into our places while the staff serve us our meal. I can’t stop touching Quinn, like I’m reassuring myself she’s truly mine.

The musicians play and even while we eat, people come up to us and offer their congratulations. My mate smiles and accepts each one with kindness and grace, while I wish for them all to leave us alone. I want Quinn all to myself. She leans over and converses with her mother often. The happiness on both their faces is worth everything to me. I’m glad Cora chose to stay on Bohna. I know it pleases my mate as well.

We finish eating, although far too much food remains on Quinn’s plate due to the constant interruption by our people. I’ll make sure a meal is delivered to my quarters later because I’m sure we’ll both be hungry. Plus, I need her to keep up her strength for the night I have planned.

A commotion at the entrance of the banquet hall draws everyone’s attention. The doors crash open, and a guard stumbles in on unsteady feet. He’s bloodied and bruised. Alik and I rush to our feet and hurry over. Fuck, it’s Lorik.

“He took her,” he rasps out in a voice filled with pain as he collapses onto the floor. Another guard runs forward and helps him sit up.

“Who?” Alik snaps. “Who was taken?”

“The female. I tried to stop him, but he had help.”

Quinn appears at my side. She clutches my arm. “Where’s Olivia?”

“Gone,” the young guard says.

“What do you mean, she’s gone? Where?” My heart’s fire cries out.

“The rebels.”

Alik curses and we exchange glances.

“Janik.” It has to be him. I grip Quinn’s arms and pull her to me. Her sobs fill my ears. “I will find her. No matter what. I swear it on the gods.”